Prized design

Visually soothing colors, hardy materials and a functional layout contributed to this kitchen being honored with the 2008 Best Modern Kitchen Award from Hadco

The color scheme of golds and browns gives floor, flooring, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, laminate flooring, living room, room, wood, wood flooring, brown — The color scheme of golds and browns gives a warm, soothing aesthetic.

Part of the reason for the success of countertop, floor, flooring, interior design, kitchen, table, gray

Part of the reason for the success of cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, floor, flooring, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, room, wood flooring, brown, black

The modern kitchen often needs to fulfil a variety of roles, while still appearing sleek and uncluttered.

This family kitchen does just that, providing space on a large central island for meal preparation to be carried out at the same time as homework, in an aesthetically warm and functional space.

The practicality of the design was one reason it received the Best Modern Kitchen Award from Hadco, a feat all the more noteworthy because it was for Hammersmith designers Jenny and Eric Rothman's own home.

"Most designers have a tendency to over-think their personal spaces, so this was a challenge. Opening the kitchen to the family and dining rooms allows us to dine together, as well as interact while preparing meals," says Jenny Rothman.

The island is wrapped in raw concrete for texture. All the cabinetry units have been constructed so as to appear to float, giving a lightweight look to the kitchen. Rich mahogany slab doors with centrally placed handles give a simple, uncomplicated appearance to the space, balanced against the geometric patterns of the oversized stacked-tile backsplash.

Viking appliances were chosen for visual impact as well as functionality.